Span put up some great numbers hitting .294/.387/.432 with 18 stolen bases in only 93 games. He followed up a fantastic rookie season by hitting .311/.392/.415 in 145 games during 2009. The Twins were so impressed with Span they signed him to a 5-year, $16.5 million contract on March 13, 2010. The deal includes a $9 million team option for 2015. The front office looked brilliant for buying out his arbitration years at a bargain price. Span was only 26 years old and looked like the leadoff hitter for the forseeable future. However, just like Mauer and Morneau, Span is the latest player to halt his production once he gets paid big money.
Span got off to an incredible start in 2010 but stuggled after he ran into second baseman Orlando Hudson on May 30th against the Texas Rangers. He finshed the season hitting .264/.331/.348 in 153 games. He also lost his concentration on the base paths and was picked off 9 times. In other words he was picked off in about 3% of his stolen base opportunities. I heard every excuse imaginable during the winter about Span's diasterous second-half. He had bad luck, the grass at Target Field slows down ground balls, he had a mechanical flaw in his swing, or he was just too tentative. Whatever the reason most people anticipated improvement in 2011.
Span got off to a hot start in the first two months of 2011 and his past issues looked like a distant memory. He was injured on June 3rd in Kansas City when he collided with catcher Brayan Pena trying for an inside the park home run. Span missed most of the next four months with concussion symptoms. He returned to the lineup on August 2nd and went 2 for 35 (.057) in nine games before being shut down by the training staff. Span played better in a few meaningless games late in September but it's really unknown what to expect from him moving forward.
Span was clearly not happy when his name surfaced in rumors near the trade deadline in July. There was speculation he would be traded to Washington for closer Drew Storen. I was elated when a deal did not happen but now am not so sure. The one silver lining was the development of the very exciting Ben Revere. Revere provided the team with speed in the leadoff spot and highlight reel catches in centerfield. I still question Span's toughness as he routinely asked for days off after being activated from the disabled list. If the team decides to retain either Cuddyer or Kubel, Span might become expendable. The only problem is finding a team willing to trade for him with his injury concerns. When healthy, Span is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. Fans have to wonder if we will ever see that player again. Please feel free to leave me any questions because your opinion matters to me.
6 comments:
I agree Jack, it is hard to say he will ever be the same player. Both he and Morneau are huge question marks for the Twins. I certainly hope the best for Denard and his recovery. He is a fine person and exceptional ballplayer when healthy. I could even accept a .265 average in his comeback year. Hopefully he can play 140 games and be successful again. If he is not traded, he is one of the keys for the Twins in their effort to return to respectibility.
"However, just like Mauer and Morneau, Span is the latest player to halt his production once he gets paid big money."
Are you suggesting that 'getting paid' is the reason for the 'production'?
Seth,
I love Denard Span and there is no doubt about how productive a player he is when healthy. However, even you have to admit he was very angry about being mentioned in trade rumors and did not hurry his comeback after being hurt. When he finally did get activated he was terrible. He went back on the DL until the end of September and played in some meanlingless games. He was still asking Gardy for a day off after playing which is unbelieveable in it's own right considering how much time he had missed.
He was quoted as saying if he was traded he would play for his new team with a chip on his shoulder. Still trying to figure out why he did not play like that for the Twins down the stretch. The reason he already had the big contract in his pocket and watched other stars on the team get away with not playing. I believe he could of played more days but was still upset at the Twins. He is a tremendous player with a tremendously huge ego. Span was getting paid big money and should of tried harder to get on the field.
jack,
have you retired from podcasting or can we expect to hear your rants again? I personally appreciate your point of view.
Jack Torse
Jack,
Yes, I will be podcasting again very soon. Possibly on 10-19-11 but for sure after the MLB season concludes. Please stay posted and thank for following.
Jack,
You like everyone else seems to be smitten with Revere. Although he can steal a base and cover tons of ground, he is a below average MLB player and the Twins should've traded him earlier when his value was high. He is a terrible on base guy, with no power, and no arm.
Span, who is not nearly as good in center field, can throw a bit, steal a bit, but is significantly better at the plate. Span is a true lead off hitter, where as Revere is not, and should be in another organization. Another instance where the twins over value the wrong things (speed and glove, over power and on base %, or no walks vs. strike outs).
Here is to hoping Span gets healthy and back to being a table setter
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